Until now, the most effective way to relieve fear memory is to repeatedly show or image the object of fear.However, there was a problem that such a method itself became stressful.

　This time, the decoded neurofeedback (DecNef) method developed by ATR is applied.It combines magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and artificial intelligence technology to induce specific activity patterns in the target brain region.A sparse machine learning algorithm, which is one of the artificial intelligence technologies, was used to detect the pattern.

　In the research, a certain object (figure) is first experienced at the same time as an unpleasant event (weak current), and a fear memory for the object is formed.After that, the subject was made to perform an operation to change the activity of the brain, and the subject was given a monetary reward each time the activity pattern of the brain approached the pattern when looking at the feared object.This succeeded in reducing the fear response to the object of fear memory.This DecNef training method is a less stressful fear memory erasure method that eliminates the need to look directly at the object of fear.In addition, the brain region involved is different from the conventional method, and it is possible that the trace of memory itself could be transformed rather than temporarily suppressing fear memory.

　With this achievement, we can expect the development of a new treatment method for PTSD, which has less stress during treatment than the conventional method.On the other hand, since it is a new technology for brain activity, we would like to establish it as a safe technology while considering side effects and worsening of symptoms, and also considering ethical aspects.